The Fleet

Our handy guide to tall ships will not only make you sound like an expert but will also help you to get the best out of your visit.

Tall ships are divided into the following categories:

• CLASS A - all square rigged vessels and all other vessels over 40m length overall (LOA)
• CLASS B - Traditional rigged vessels with a LOA of less than 40m and with a length a waterline length (LWL) of at least 9.14m
• CLASS C - Modern rigged vessels with a LOA of less than 40m and with a LWL of at least 9.14, not carrying spinnaker-like sails
• CLASS D - modern rigged vessels with a LOA of less than 40m and with a LWL of at least 9.14m carrying spinnaker-like sails

Square rigged vessels (Class A) are defined as those vessels whose sail plan is ship, barque, barquentine, brig or brigantine

Traditional rigged vessels (Class B) are defined as those vessels whose sail plan has a predominance of gaff sails

Modern rigged vessels (Classes C and D) are defined as those vessels whose sail plan has a predominance of Bermudan sails

Length overall (LOA) is the length between the forward end of the STEM post and the after end of the STERN post. It does not include the bowsprit, pulpit or any other extension at the bow or stern.

If you want to get really technical about sailing rigs, follow this link

www.sailfree.com/Rigs/rigs.htm